Nick Johnson Signing Imminent, Yanks Make Mistake

It appears likely that the Yankees will sign former prospect turned Nationals first basement Nick Johnson to a 1-year deal that will probably be valued around $5.5-$6.5 million. This blows my mind.

Given that the cry from Yankees brass all off season has been "no full time DH" this is a strange move by the Yankees. Nick Johnson won't be playing much first base at all, and when the Yankees do want to spell Mark Teixeira they can use Nick Swisher at first already.

Given that it's a 1-year deal with similar dollars as Hidecki Matsui got with the Angels, I can't for the life of me why the Yankees didn't just resign Godzilla. At least he has power and is a proven clutch player (World Series MVP). The Yankees have no idea what Johnson will do in a big spot.

Where is Johnson going to hit in the order? Everyone is saying second, but his foot speed will be an issue at the top of the lineup, but he doesn't have the power to be in the middle of the order. I think what's more likely is that the Yankees will use Granderson second and use Johnson eighth and Melky ninth.

I like Nick Johnson, but this is an awful series of moves for the Yankees.